UFC legend Georges St-Pierre showcased an extraordinary response when confronted by his childhood bully years later, begging for money.
At the pinnacle of his career, St-Pierre dominated the UFC welterweight division until bidding farewell to his iconic journey in February 2019. But before earning his status as one of the greatest MMA combatants in history, he struggled with getting bullied during his formative years.
In a conversation with Hot 97 , the former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion recounted an unexpected reunion with his former bully on the city streets.
Contrary to St-Pierre’s success in life, his childhood bully found himself in a starkly different situation. He was begging for money from passers-by.
GSP said: “I don’t know if he was homeless, but he was asking for money. When he saw me, he recognised me.”
The bully asked for help, to which St-Pierre replied:Â “Man, what are you doing here? You’re a tall guy, you’re good looking. What the hell?”
Demonstrating unexpected kindness, GSP gave some money to his high school bully while imparting an inspirational message.
GSP said: “I gave him a few dollars and I [told] him: ‘Get out of here… you should be ashamed, you should be embarrassed of what you’re doing, man. A lot of guys would kill to be like you. You know you’re full of potential. You’re good looking, healthy, tall and strong. Go do something with your life.'”
The narrative takes a surprising twist when St-Pierre learns that his former bully revisited his childhood home, expressing gratitude to his family for the positive impact.
GSP continued:Â “He went to my house where my parents live. He knocked on the door and he said: ‘Can I talk to Georges?'”
“He goes, ‘Well, I met him a few months ago, and [he] said something to me to shake me up and I just want to say that he changed my life. Now I have a job and I’m doing well, and I want to say thank you. When you see him, tell him I said thank you.'”
The unexpected reunion serves as a powerful testament to the impact one can have on another’s life, even in the most unexpected circumstances.